This Peru family adventure showcases Lima’s vibrant coast, wildlife-rich Paracas, dramatic Andean canyons, historic Sacred Valley, and the legendary Machu Picchu, along with immersive local experiences that bring the country’s history and traditions vividly to life.
- Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands
- Discover Machu Picchu
- Sandboarding adventures
- Visit a Condor sanctuary
- Train rides through the Sacred Valley
- Paddleboard on Huaypo Lagoon
Begin in Lima, where guided city tours showcase the vibrant history, colonial architecture, and culinary delights of the nation’s capital. Then head south to Paracas, where a thrilling boat trip to the Ballestas Islands brings you up close to playful sea lions, exotic seabirds, and stunning coastal landscapes. Adventure awaits on the towering sand dunes of Paracas, where you can try sandboarding for a rush of adrenaline.
Continue to Arequipa, the “White City”, with its charming colonial streets and beautiful plazas. Explore the surrounding Colca Canyon, home to majestic Andean condors, and take in sweeping viewpoints of one of the world’s deepest canyons. Nature lovers will delight in visits to the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary and a condor sanctuary, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Journey into the heart of the Andes in the Sacred Valley, stopping in Urubamba for cultural tours, scenic train rides, and immersive experiences. Visit the legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, where ancient Inca architecture and breathtaking mountain vistas create a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Finish with the thrill of adventure as you cycle through the Sacred Valley, paddleboard on Huaypo Lagoon, or even make your own chocolate bar using traditional local techniques in Cusco.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK and fly overnight to Lima. -
Day 2: Arrive in Lima, Afternoon at Leisure
On arrival into Lima, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and start to explore the city. -
Day 3: Day at Leisure or Optional Activities
You can choose to explore the city on your own, or book a guided excursion, such as a walking tour, street food tour, or surf and bike adventure.
Finish the day with a trip to the Magic Water Circuit in Parque de la Reserva, for a dazzling show of water fountains bursting with colour, light and music.
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Day 4: Lima to Paracas & Visit to Paracas National Reserve
Journey south to Paracas. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through a protected, marine rich ecosystem, where you can see striking rock formations and an array of marine mammals and seabirds. -
Day 5: Ballestas Islands Boat Trip
Set off on a thrilling boat trip out to the Ballestas Islands, where you will see thousands of guano birds, colonies of noisy sea lions, and if lucky, penguins.
In the afternoon, you have the option to gear up for an adrenaline-filled adventure to the towering desert sand dunes by dune buggy, followed by gliding down steep slopes of golden sand on a sand board.
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Day 6: Return to Lima & Fly to Arequipa
Head back up the Panamericana Sur to Lima for a flight to Arequipa, “The White City”. -
Day 7: Tour of “The White City”
Admire the intricate architecture of the cathedral and the ornate La Compañía Church, before stepping into the enchanting Monastery of Santa Catalina.
Your afternoon is at leisure for you to grab some lunch, wander the charming streets, or visit the Santuarios Andinos Museum, home to the world-famous “Juanita Mummy”.
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Day 8: Colca Canyon
Depart Arequipa early for a scenic six to seven hour journey to Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons. Along the way, enjoy views of snow-capped volcanoes, spot vicuñas and guanacos (species of camelids), and stop at high-altitude points like Chinitos and the Mirador de los Andes for panoramic vistas.
Finish in Chivay for lunch and hotel check-in.
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Day 9: Condors & Canyons
Visit the sanctuary of the Andean condors, Cruz del Condor, where you can watch these majestic birds soar effortlessly through the sky.
Later, explore the charming towns of Yanque and Maca for colonial churches and colourful villages, providing a glimpse into local culture. Take the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
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Day 10: Chivay to Arequipa & Flight to Cusco
Depart early from the Colca Canyon back to Arequipa, on the memorable and scenic six to seven hour journey.
From Arequipa, fly to your next destination, Cusco, South America’s archaeological capital and oldest continuously inhabited city.
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Day 11: Cusco & Urubamba
Your morning is free to explore Cusco at your own pace or enjoy a guided tour, visiting the Church of Santo Domingo (Koricancha), San Blas, Hatun Rumiyoc Street and San Pedro Market. In the afternoon, travel less than two hours to Urubamba, with optional stops at the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary and Pisac.
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Day 12: Cultural Tour of Chinchero, Moray & Maras
Get ready for dramatic Andean scenery, archaeological innovation and enriching culture today as you explore the Sacred Valley. Visit a local weaving workshop, where you watch ancestral textile techniques using natural dyes and hand-spun alpaca and sheep wool.
See the series of circular agricultural terraces of the Inca civilisation in Moray, and then visit the salt mines of Maras, which have harvested naturally pink salt since the Inca times.
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Day 13: Train Ride Through the Urubamba Valley & Machu Picchu
Today, take an incredible journey through the Sacred Valley by train, with onboard cultural performances and live music accompanied by the back drop of towering Andean mountains and the winding Urubamba River.
Following your train ride, take a scenic bus up to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating archaeological site, and walk in Incan footsteps.
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Day 14: Morning at Leisure & Train Ride to Cusco
After a relaxing morning, hop aboard the train for a second time, departing from Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco. -
Day 15: Cusco
Today you have several options for exploring the area on your last day. Take a cultural tour of Sacsayhuaman, cycle through the Cusco Valley, paddleboard on Huaypo Lagoon, or make your own chocolate from scratch! -
Day 16: Depart for UK
After your incredible adventures in Peru, take an overnight flight home to the UK.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 10+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Summer
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Xmas
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the date ranges below, on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.
| Daily Departures | Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | From | To | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Options |
| 2026 | 1 May | 31 Jul | 15 days | £2,895 | £1,625 | 17 days | £3,195 | £1,775 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 1 Aug | 31 Aug | 15 days | £2,895 | £1,595 | 17 days | £4,675 | £2,975 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 1 Dec | 31 Dec | 15 days | £2,945 | £1,645 | 17 days | £4,675 | £2,975 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Mar | 30 Apr | 15 days | £3,125 | £1,775 | 17 days | £4,575 | £2,895 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Jul | 31 Jul | 15 days | £3,125 | £1,775 | 17 days | £4,795 | £2,995 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Aug | 31 Aug | 15 days | £3,125 | £1,775 | 17 days | £4,895 | £3,095 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Dec | 31 Dec | 15 days | £3,245 | £1,845 | 17 days | £4,995 | £3,145 | Book or Enquire |
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.